Chief Financial Officer, Office of Financial Management (C123-2425)

REPORTS TO : Deputy Superintendent for Administration and Finance (Primary)/Superintendent of Schools (Secondary)

SUPERVISES : Office of Financial Management

POSITION SUMMARY : The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Hartford Public Schools. The CFO will ensure fiscal stability, promote financial transparency, and drive strategic financial planning to support the district's educational mission and $450 million plus budget. Additionally, the CFO will perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the Hartford Public schools’ policies and applicable laws.

The Chief Financial Officer will have a laser focus on accelerating equity and organizational excellence by achieving the overarching priorities of the Hartford Public Schools’ multi-year strategic plan and annual operating plan.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Chief Financial Officer’s responsibilities will include, but will not be limited to the following:

Advises and counsels the Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent regarding district finances

Maintains a comprehensive understanding of key instructional activities and establishes and implements goals to maximize performance of non-instructional functions in support of the educational goals of the district

Develops and implements short- and long-term budget plans based on the district’s strategic objectives

Clearly and effectively communicates with, and presents information to, governing bodies, policy makers, federal and state law making bodies, local community districts, parental districts, news media, and other interested parties upon request of the Superintendent

Develops and maintains positive working relations with local, state, and federal government and community partners

Eliminates workflow bottlenecks and streamlines processes and protocols by serving as point person between leadership and departments

Develops and institutes a customer-based approach to district’s financial operations to serve students in the most effective and cost-efficient manner

Serves as strategic leader and thought partner for Superintendent and Superintendent’s Cabinet

Supports Superintendent in driving district accountability and responsiveness to student, educator, and community needs

Creates a culture of engagement and expectations with principals and other administrators

Provides guidance and direction to managers toward their professional development to ensure and maintain a skilled department staff

Assists in ensuring district compliance with local, state, and federal policies, laws, and regulations; analyzes and interprets government regulations and statutes

Oversees compilation, preparation, and distribution of statistical and other data for federal, State Department of Education, and local reports

Creates presentations as necessary when required by the Superintendent

Ensures the implementation of district policies and procedures throughout the school system

Along with the Deputy Superintendent, leads the implementation of the annual budget process which includes a stakeholder engagement strategy

Directs fund management, position management, accounts receivable, annual budget preparation and monitoring, procurement of equipment and supplies, and payroll within the boundaries established by the Superintendent and Board of Education

Develops and maintains long-range financial forecasts of revenues and expenditures

Participates, as needed, in collective bargaining and provides cost estimates of Board and union proposals

Develops and implements procedures and processes for the efficient management, use, monitoring, and reporting of expenditures for general and special funds

Approves payments, requisitions, and budgetary transfers as needed

Works with the Director of Budget and Grants Management to identify funding sources for unbudgeted items

Assists in the production of the annual Educational Financial System (EFS) for the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE) and the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the City of Hartford

As needed, testifies before the Board of Education, City Council, Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB), City administration, and committees of the State General Assembly on financial matters

Participates in the effective negotiation of contracts that enhance the educational environment for schools in a cost-effective way

Supports the financial goals of the District

Assures financial compliance with City, State, and Federal laws and regulations

Ensures staff assists principals and other leaders in implementing and monitoring their budget expenditures

Reviews budget estimates for grant applications and other initiatives

Provides for regular training of central office and school staff on financial management systems and processes

Reviews potential legislative changes in State and Federal education funding

Partners with Office of Talent Management (OTM) in selection and oversight of the district's benefit plans

Works cooperatively with the City of Hartford's Department of Finance

Performs other duties as directed by the Superintendent, Deputy Superintendent, or designee

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED : The following characteristics and physical skills are important for the successful performance of assigned duties.

Empathy and Commitment to Cause:

Deeply understands the urban school system environment and commitment to improving student achievement

Passionately believes that all students can achieve at high levels

Demonstrates cultural competence and a deep understanding of and empathy for issues facing urban families

Communication, Interpersonal and Team Skills:

Builds and maintains strong relationships

Works successfully alone or on a team

Coaches, coordinates, and leads teams

Strong verbal and written communication skills, tailors message for the audience, context, and mode of communication

Actively listens to others and effectively interprets others' motivations and perceptions

Builds consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations

Skillfully navigates existing political structures/systems

Problem Solving and Systems Thinking:

Understands how various systems/departments interact to achieve the long-term goal

Understands systematic continuous improvement processes

Makes decisions using data and technological resources

Takes initiative to solve problems and create stakeholder buy-in

Identifies and prioritizes mission critical issues with alignment of people, time and resources

Offers innovative solutions to seemingly intractable problems

Exhibits strong focus on goals and results; sets clear metrics for success

Thrives in achievement-oriented and fast-paced environment

Removes barriers or obstacles that make it difficult for principals to achieve their goals and ensures that school leaders have the resources they need to succeed

Demonstrates excellent execution and project management skills, including attention to detail, organizational skills, ability to balance the big picture with detailed steps to reach the end goal, and ability to balance multiple projects under tight deadlines

Leadership Skills:

Motivates, inspires, and moves other adults to action to achieve ambitious goals

Skilled at re-envisioning, building, and managing a team, especially in a time of growth and change; excellent at identifying talent and taking advantage of each person's skills and contribution to team effort

Builds and maintains positive relationships with individuals and groups

Moves groups to consensus and resolves conflicts; exhibits willingness to have difficult conversations

Builds coalitions and works collaboratively with diverse stakeholders at all levels, including but not limited to district personnel, students, families, communities, and/or advocacy groups

Establishes clear expectations, deliverables, and deadlines;

Sets clear agendas and facilitates effective meetings

Ability to train, supervise, and evaluate staff from different cultural backgrounds and skill sets

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS :

Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, education, or related field; advanced degree (JD, MBA, MPA, or CPA) preferred

Extensive (over 10 years) relevant work experience and knowledge of business, finance, schools/district management, personnel management, information technology, ancillary services, and operations

At least five (5) years of senior level experience working directly with superintendents, executive cabinet leaders, school board members, nonprofits, or community representatives preferred

Evidence of successful experience leading major change management efforts, preferably in public schools/education or a similar organization

Evidence of successful experience developing and implementing efficient systems and processes

Demonstrated ability to oversee large and complex budgets

Experience with state and/or federal grants management

Familiarity with MUNIS accounting software is a definite advantage

Evidence of successful experience in an urban school district, nonprofit organization, or public institution

Experience with bargaining unit contract administration and negotiation preferred

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and strong judgment

Professional demeanor, customer service orientation, and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Strong, effective oral and written communications skills, as well as interpersonal skills

Organizational skills, including follow-up and meticulous attention to detail

Self-starter with the ability to work independently

Service orientation towards supporting schools, the Superintendent, and the City of Hartford

Operate with proficiency a computer and assigned software programs, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Office Suite; ability to learn to use new software related to job responsibilities

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS : Connecticut certification in School Business Administrator (085) or the ability to acquire such certification is strongly preferred; though, Connecticut Intermediate Administration or Supervision Certification (092) may be considered.

SALARY AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT : This non-bargaining position has a 12-Month work year. Salary will be in accordance with an individual employment contract, based on a salary range of $170,000 - $190,000.

EVALUATION : Evaluated annually

UNION AFFILIATION : Not applicable

APPLICATION PROCEDURE:

To be considered, all internal and external applicants must fully complete a Hartford Public Schools’ online application, which can be accessed through our Applicant Tracking System, Nimble, at

https://app.hirenimble.com/jobs/hartford .

Internal applicants should use a personal email address when applying. Please do not use your hartfordschools.org email.

Candidates’ application and supporting documents will be reviewed. Candidates will be contacted directly by the hiring manager for interviews.

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